SPRING 2013
IN THIS ISSUE:
2
2
3
4
5
5
6
Graduating to
change the world
Did you know?
Blast from the Past
Brayden’s life has changed
because of you
Because of you, Megan will
be attending college in the Fall
St. Rita Fest
Memorial Program
“Without St. Rita School,
I would never have heard
Gemma tell me “I love
you.” before she left this
world. Thank you for that
most precious gift.”
– Rita, Gemma’s mom
Gemma’s classmates say
good bye to their friend
with paper bouquets.
Gemma’s family
generously donated her
organs so that 8 other
lives could be saved.
St. Rita loses an angel….and
heaven gets a Gemma hug
In our last issue, we
highlighted the life of one
of our students, Gemma.
It is with aching hearts
that we now mourn the
tragic loss of her precious
life. Gemma accidently
drowned and passed away
on March 17th. While we
deeply miss her and grieve
that we can’t see her
smile, we rejoice that
she now speaks unhindered to Jesus as she
gives him one of her
famous Gemma hugs.
She was just beginning the Loft Program and
even at the very young age
of 3, Gemma was overcoming many obstacles.
Diagnosed with Apraxia,
Gemma came to St. Rita
School with a 10 word
vocabulary. Immediately,
she began to soar with a
growing vocabulary of 50
words, speaking and signing, she was communicating while embracing life. And soon, for the first time,
Gemma’s parents were able to hear their
little girl say, “I love you.”
Gemma could light up a room with
her smile! Her joy and enthusiasm was
truly contagious as she actively discovered new things in this world. She
loved Minnie Mouse and pretending to
cook on her kitchen play set, but nothing compared to her stuffed Winnie
the Pooh. She carried Winnie the Pooh
everywhere she went and he experienced countless ‘Gemma hugs.’
Gemma will always be known by
her hugs. Everyone got hugs — family,
school mates, and teachers alike. Her
arms were always ready to embrace
anyone in a tight, loving hug that would
melt the world’s troubles away.
The playground is really were
Gemma’s creativity shined. Gemma
had a boundless amount of delight and
Gemma continued on page 3
DREAM. ACHIEVE. SOAR.
1
Graduating to change the world
It is indescribable to watch a student overcome,
exceed, and enter adulthood confident and eager
to make a difference in their world.
It is hard to believe that graduation is
fast approaching us once again. We
start the school year each fall with
an excitement in the crisp air that fills
our seniors with anticipation and energy. Winter soon arrives and always
seems to drag on and graduation
seems so far away, until the signs
of spring arrive. As the sun peeks
out, birds return and the earth turns
green again, that spirit of renewal reminds us that our students are about
to embark on their own new journeys.
Each year is filled with so many
incredible moments, but it is inde-
scribable to watch a student overcome, exceed, and enter adulthood
confident and eager to make a difference in their world.
As we watch six students graduate this year, I thank you once again
for making it possible and invite you
to celebrate with us. While our teachers work along side each of our students, you have stood behind them
as the backbone of our school. You
helped Matthew say his first words,
Jenny can communicate with sign
language, and Stephen can interact
with children his age. You brought
Did you know?
St. Rita School for the Deaf continually strives to meet
the unique challenge of educating students who cannot
hear. Typically in our country, from the time a hearing
child is born, that child is continually being exposed to
the English language. They are able to accumulate this
learned knowledge about language and will continue to
2
these children up into eager students
learning physics, Latin, American
History, calculus, and literature.
You are sending these precious,
young minds into the world to make
a difference.
As we celebrate please consider
continuing this legacy and support
the next graduating class. It is only
possible with you. Together let’s
give our students hope for the future
and the ability to change the world
by answering Christ’s call to love
one another.
Gregory Ernst, Executive Director
build upon this with more exposure and formal instruction. When a Deaf child is born, there is no model of oral
speech communication on which to base their understanding of the English language. For Deaf, hard of hearing and Apraxic students, English is almost like a second
language, and writing is truly challenging and intimidating. These children must receive special instruction in
order to develop writing skills and fluency. The key to
understanding deaf education is that these children learn
through visual and tactile learning experiences. They
need every available accommodation in their learning
environment to assist in their learning.
Technology has been and continues to be of paramount importance in educating our students. Our students can learn and comprehend just as fast as typical
children given the appropriate technology, instruction
and learning environment that best supports their special needs. Access to technology engages students and
makes them excited about learning. St. Rita School for
the Deaf realizes the value in technology and uses improvements in technology to bring more visual programs
to the students attending our school. Interwrite School
boards, Internet access, projection equipment, Ipads
and laptops have been added to the classroom learning
environments in order to better enhance visual methods
of instruction.
St. Rita School for the Deaf • The Silent Advocate • Spring 2013
Gemma continued from page 1
wonder stored up, and a captivating
spirit that drew her classmates into a
whirlwind of three year old laughter.
To honor Gemma, our new, almost completed playground will be
named after her. Despite the difficult
challenges many of our students
face, they will all experience the joy
of childhood on the playground while
wrapped in a ‘Gemma hug.’
Please help us commemorate
Gemma’s legacy and help finish the
playground that will give our kids
the chance to just be kids. While our
students have the tremendous task
to overcome communication and
learning obstacles, the carefree play
of a child is a priceless gift that cannot be overlooked. Your gift will create a memorial entrance for Gemma,
and new, safe playground equipment
that children, especially those with
Apraxia like Gemma, can use to
explore and learn in a world that was
once closed to them.
With your help we can reach out
to families to unite them with communication — families like Gemma’s
whose mother would otherwise never
hear her baby say, “I love you.”
One light does not go out when
it is used to light thousands more. It
is our hope and dream that 50 years
Gemma will always be
known by her hugs.
Everyone got hugs —
family, school mates,
and teachers alike.
Then we started on our way again.
At last we reached St. Rita School.
We were glad to get out of the car.
I thought this was a hospital and I
began to cry because I didn’t want to
stay in a hospital a long time again. I
was in a hospital for a very long time
when I lost my hearing.
After a while I stopped crying
and we looked through the school.
After a few hours my family went
home and I cried again for a very
long time. Then I made friends,
friends who were like me and I got
a new family as well. As time went
on I still missed my family but felt so
loved and wanted that I missed them
less and less. As I am about to graduate I laugh when I think back to my
first trip here and I know that I will
again will be crying when I take my
last trip from here back home.
from now students and staff will still
know what a special light Gemma
was to all of us. To help ensure that
her memory is never forgotten please
use the enclosed envelope and mark
it “Gemma” or visit online at www.
srsdeaf.org. With your help we can
ensure that no one will ever forget
our Gemma, her smile, her laughter,
and of course her ‘Gemma hugs’.
Blast from
the Past
An excerpt from a
child’s journal in our
1936 Silent Advocate
by Margaret McClellan
When I was about seven years old
my mother was very sick. So my father and mother decided it was best
for me to go to a boarding school.
We heard about St. Rita School. My
father and my uncle took me in our
old Ford car. My brother Jack came
with me.
It took us two days to get here
from Detroit. On the way we
stopped over night at a beautiful
house. I was very afraid of strangers.
I began to cry very hard. I thought I
would have to stay with those people.
My father stayed with me all night.
The next morning we got up early
and started on our way. We stopped
and ate breakfast in a restaurant.
While my father and uncle were eating, Jack and I had a very good time.
DREAM. ACHIEVE. SOAR.
3
Brayden’s life has changed because of you
Lauren knew about St. Rita School
since she was in high school. She
was one of the first students at
Sycamore High School to take an
ASL class as credit towards a foreign
language requirement. “Our teacher
did a great job of making sure we
understood the language, the culture, meanings, etc. and a couple of
the field trips were visits to St. Rita
School. I didn’t realize that I would
actually need that base knowledge
when I had kids,” said Lauren.
Lauren had a very normal,
healthy pregnancy with her son, but
when Brayden was born and failed
his hearing screening, she and her
husband, Blake, began to worry. Over
the course of three months, Brayden
had many hearing tests at Children’s
Hospital, until his audiologists finally
“I want my kids to become the people
they were meant to be and I know
that St. Rita School opens doors for
them that would otherwise have stayed
locked.” Lauren, Brayden’s mother
concluded that he had mild hearing loss in both ears.
“We didn’t know how or why,” said Lauren. “Nobody
in either of our families has hearing loss so we don’t
know where this came from. We were completely surprised, and got all kinds of information about hearing
aids, tubes, and all the things we could do to “fix” it and
went home with spinning heads.”
Since Brayden was diagnosed with just mild hearing
loss, no immediate action was taken and his condition
was just monitored. When he was close to 15 months
old, his hearing dropped to moderate to severe loss and
that’s when Lauren remembered St. Rita School.
“He had been going to a typical daycare until that
point and had started biting other kids,” said Lauren.
“We think it was because he was getting frustrated. Once
we placed him at St. Rita School, we noticed him opening up a lot more. He was talking a lot more, he wasn’t
biting quite as often and was really blossoming.”
“I don’t think Brayden would be the child he is today
4
without St. Rita School. I don’t think he would have the
love of learning he has now and I know he wouldn’t be on
the same academic level. Since being at St. Rita School
his learning potential and communication have skyrocketed. He is 4 years old and currently reading books at a
2nd grade level. His vocabulary is at a 3rd grade level. He
amazes me with what he’s able to learn and how quickly
he grasps concepts.”
When Lauren and Blake’s daughter Mackenzie was
born, she was also found to have hearing loss and there
was no question that she would also begin attending St.
Rita School.
“I have never once second guessed our decision to
send the kids to St. Rita School,” said Lauren. “I know
in my heart of hearts it’s where they are supposed to be
and where they can reach their fullest potential. I want
my kids to become the people they were meant to be
and I know that St. Rita School opens doors for them
that would otherwise have stayed locked. They don’t
need to feel alone, or ashamed, or like an outcast.”
“The differences are amazing and extremely noticeable. St. Rita School is a family, it’s a community. Everyone knows you, your kids, and really cares about their
welfare. All the teachers know the unique needs of the
kids and they adjust accordingly. There is no “all voicing”
or “all signing” everybody works with whatever communication method the child needs. I’m so, so grateful that
such a place exists and that I have access to it.”
Don’t Forget St. Rita Fest
Friday, July 12, 7–11pm • Saturday, July 13, 4–11pm
Sunday, July 14, 4–10pm
Admission: $2 / Person
With each admission purchase you have a chance to win:
• Friday: Kindle Fire
• Saturday: 4 tickets to Jimmy Buffet Concert at Riverbend on July 16, 2013
• Sunday: Family Membership for 4 to the Cincinnati Zoo (includes parking)
Because of you,
Megan will be
attending college
in the Fall
It is our pleasure this spring, to be
sending off one of our successful,
graduating students. Megan came
to us six years ago with a wonderful
educational foundation, but her local
school district did not offer programs
for deaf students past middle school.
“The care and concern
of the staff has been a
true blessing for Megan,
and for us.”
Parents Mark and Andrea
“We were told of three choices:
mainstreaming locally, Ohio School
for the Deaf, or St. Rita School,” said
Megan’s parents, Mark and Andrea.
“Mainstreaming might have left her
isolated and at OSD she would not
have been able to come home to her
family each afternoon, as full-time
residency would have been required.
As part of the selection process we
toured St. Rita School and liked what
we saw and the teachers we met.”
Megan continued on page 8
Free Shuttle Service from Landmark Christian, WalMart–Evendale and GE Aviation
Festival hotline number: 513.772.7005
Purchase your St. Rita Fest 2013 Grand Raffle Tickets!
Please complete the attached form, cut out and mail to us using the
enclosed envelope. We will fill out the number of tickets you purchase
and enter them into the drawing.
You can also purchase tickets by phone by calling 513.771.7600.
$50 Per Ticket
Only 5000 tickets will be sold!
Grand Prize! Choose one of these vehicles or $25,000 cash!
2013 Mini Cooper • His & Hers 2013 Harleys Superglide & Sportster
2013 Toyota Highlander • 2013 Jeep Sport • 2013 Honda Crosstour
$5000 Bonus Raffle
$2500 Early Bird Drawing
Thank you for your generous gift to the children of St. Rita School. Please make
checks payable to St. Rita School for the Deaf.
Payment Method:
Check
Visa
Account No.
Phone No.
I want to purchase
Mastercard
AMX
Discover
Exp. Date
E-mail
ticket(s) at $50 ea. = $
I do not want to purchase tickets, but want to support the children
with a donation of $
Name
Address
City, State, Zip
DREAM. ACHIEVE. SOAR.
5
Memorial Program
Looking for a way to honor someone who has everything? Celebrate a special occasion, say thank you or remember an important person in your life by making a gift to St. Rita School for the
Deaf in his or her name. Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and
holidays take on a new meaning when your gift brings help and
hope to families who are struggling with their child’s special needs.
Remembering those who have touched your life in a special way
can comfort and console loved ones while also helping children to
succeed in their life. People enrolled in the Memorial Program as
well as the donor, are remembered at a special Mass and daily in
the prayers of our students and staff. If you are interested in participating in the Memorial Program, please call 513-771-7600.
At the time of this publishing deadline, only 2 months of memorials were available.
For a complete listing of our memorials visit www.srsdeaf.org.
Dave Kuntz Family
Mr. Eric Lohmueller
Mr. Jack Matre
Ms. Alice McDonald
Mr. and Mrs.
Denny Meyrose
Ms. Theresa M. Muennich
Ms. Barbara Pflanz
James and
Charlotte Reinhold
Ms. Margery Robinson
Robert Samad
Mrs. Deanna Schalch
Mary Schlachter
Cathy and Tom Schwertman
Cors and Bassett
Ms. Dolores Steltenpohl
Reading Senior Citizens
Mrs. Mary Ellen Trischler
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Weil
Nancy Weisbrod
Mr. Patrick H. Weiss
Ms. Diane H. Werner
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Woycke
Cynthia and Robert Zahneis
Mary Jo Matre
Mr. Jack Matre
January
Anniversary of Death
Harry G. Davis
Mary Lee Davis,
Steve and Glenn
Georgia Christman
Mr. and Mrs.
Edward Kunkemoeller
Merrill Cornellius
Mrs. Jean Bresnen
Mrs. Clarita Gindele
Douglas Hitt
Mrs. Margie Hitt
Robert Cornwell
Mr. and Mrs.
Frank G. Brinkmann
Barbara L. Matre
Mr. Jack Matre
Ron Cravens
John and Maryann Murphy
Paul Plunkett
John Baele
Joseph Martini
John Curtin
John and Maryann Murphy
Birthday Greetings
Jean DiLonardo
Dain and Ginny Beemer
Connie and Dan Vonderhaar
Mary Lee Kuechly
Mr. and Mrs.
John Willenborg
Laura Dolan
St. Rita School for the Deaf
John and Maryann Murphy
Alvin Luers
Mr. and Mrs.
Frank G. Brinkmann
Ace Emmert
Ms. Pat Wood
Get Well Wishes for
Frieda Potzner
Mr. and Mrs.
Donald F. Heeb
In Honor of
Saint Rita
Ms. Anne Berwanger
In Memory of
Rita Amschler
Mr. Martin B. Amschler
Patricia Bathalter
Mrs. Mary Ellen Trischler
Anne Bezold
Mark, Margaret, Pamela,
and Scott Messer
Mary Breitfelder
Mr. and Mrs. John Theis
6
Antoinette Eschenbach
Mr. Robert Eschenbach
John Fariello
Mr. and Mrs.
Robert McGraw
George Faris
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Norris
George T. Faris IV
Maureen and Charles Faris
Mark Fehrenbach
Jack and Sylvia Ruthven
William L. Felts, Sr.
Ms. Patricia Mollmann
Paul Fleck
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Heuker
Rosemary Flynn
St. Patrick Ancient
Order of Hibernians
Donal C. Foley 59th
Wedding Anniversary
Mrs. Janice Foley
Paul Gangloff
Ms. Annette Mohrhaus
Robert Gilreath
Dain and Ginny Beemer
Mr. and Mrs. Ron Swensen
Clifford Gruenwald
Mr. and Mrs.
Edward Heintzman
Anna Gulick
Mrs. Eileen Rebholz
Melissa Petrie Hunckler
Sister John Michael Geis
Verna Jordan
James H. Bittner Family
Arleen G. Keller
Laureate Delta Mu
Jim Kist
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Burwinkel
Phyllis and Tim Kreiner
Mr. Paul Kreiner
Tony Laricchiuta
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Amatulli
Mary Alma Lears
Sister Jane Bernadette Leo
Sister John Michael Geis
Arthur Leary
Marge and Tom O’Meara
Charles Lohmueller
Larry and Mary Blessing
Janet Brooks
Mr. Jack Elfers
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Eling
Mr. and Mrs. Roy Endres
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Engel
Janice Foley and Family
Wilma M. Gosink
Hesse Family
Mrs. Joan Hoerst
Ms. Joyce Hoerst
Mr. and Mrs.
Steven C. Kehoe
Dave P. and Anna M. Kelly
Greater Cincinnati
Handball Association
Ed and Cheryl Stratman
Ms. Jan K. Katz
Lois Streicher
Mike and Debbie Cappel
Paul Witterstaetter
Ms. Gertrude Polking
Mimi, Jake and
Sydney Wittich
Mr. Jim Beckenhaupt
Special Intention
Saint Anthony
Ms. Diane Bechtold
February
Anniversary of Death
Nina Groh
Mr. and Mrs.
Edward Heintzman
Paul Groh, Sr.
Mr. and Mrs.
Edward Heintzman
David Hartman
Ms. Jean Hartman
Paul Molique
Jim and Kathleen Laughlin
Louise McClelland
Connie and Dan Vonderhaar
John P. Moon
Ms. Julie E. Kleiman
Richard Robinson
Mildred Robinson
Ray Paynter, Jr.
Amatulli Family
Kathryn Schrand
Mr. William Quinn
Rosemary Pender
John and Maryann Murphy
Robert Sheldt
Mrs. Mary Sheldt
Robert Points
Mrs. Dorothy Points
SK Chalmers (Chad) Rea
Archbishop Nicholas T. Elko
Assembly K of C
Miss Betty Rea
George Schadler
Mr. and Mrs.
Dennis Dickerson
Rita Florence Schaffeld
Cincom Systems, Inc
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Blom
Mr. and Mrs.
William Canovan
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Eling
Mrs. Jerome Graham
Ms. Joyce Hoerst
Mrs. Joan McNally
Beth Morton
Mrs. Jeanne Nolan
Schaal Family
Rob and Britt Schaffeld
J.W. and E.L. Stock
Insurance Agency
Fred L. and Anne Straus
Rod and Marie Weeks
Mr. and Mrs.
Norbert Weisbrod
Joe and Charlene Wicker
Birthday Greetings
Nancy Blaut
Mrs. Ruth Blaut
Angela Hermes
Mr. and Mrs. Otto Hermes
Alvin Luers
Ms. Gretchen Osner
Mr. and Mrs.
Aaron Nieman
Mrs. Mary Nieman
Sr. Bernadette
Marie Shumate
Mrs. Clarita Gindele
Emma J. Speeg
Mrs. Margie Howe
Get Well Wishes for
Louis (Butch) Scherra
Mrs. Mary Nieman
Elizabeth May Schmidt
From Her 50 Grandchildren
— and their families
Trish Fatheree
Terry and Betty Folzenlogen
Robert Stiens
Ms. Ruth Uecker
Mae Osterhage
Harold Beyer
Nancy Blaut
Mrs. Ruth Blaut
St. Rita School for the Deaf • The Silent Advocate • Spring 2013
Keaton Greening
Mr. and Mrs.
William Craig
Helen Getz
Jim and Margaret Betscher
Charles Lohmueller
Alma Sliter and Family
Henry Reder
Connie and Dan Vonderhaar
Tom Giebel
Mrs. Johanna Quinlan
Barbara London
Mr. Tom Mahaney
Saint Rita
Ms. Anne Berwanger
Howard Goldberg
Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Grimme
In Memory of
Marilyn Graf
Jim and Margaret Betscher
Ms. Anna M. Graf
Bob Louis
Mr. and Mrs.
Gregory Haverkos
Ray Revis
Alice and Gene Hedges
Charles and
Marian Ostholthoff
In Honor of
Elizabeth (Betty) Alley
Mrs. Barbara J. Alley
Terry & Jeremy Alley
Carole Allgyer
Mr. Donald Allgyer
Gary Baird
Jerry and Jeanne Kohls
Margaret (Peggy) Berning
Ian and Mary Lee Edwards
Mrs. Margaret Wais
Ms. Pat Wood
Margaret Betscher
Jim and Margaret Betscher
Mr. and Mrs.
Robert McGraw
Mr. and Mrs. Al Schneider
Anne Bezold
St. Ignatius Senior Citizens
Mary Hollstegge
Mr. and Mrs.
Robert Hollstegge
Mr. and Mrs. Louis Knolle
Ms. Jean G. Mackie
Karen and Ralph Unger
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Willing
Dan Blaut
Mrs. Ruth Blaut
Mary Ann Boh
Connie and Dan Vonderhaar
Michael Bok
Mr. and Mrs.
Edward Kunkemoeller
Eunice Brown
Mr. and Mrs. Bengel
Carl Buse
Mr. and Mrs.
Richard E. Beerman
Patricia Grace Castelli
Mr. and Mrs.
Roger Friedmann
Mary Margaret
(Margie) Chastang
Mr. and Mrs. George Knapp
Maria Cipollone
Ms. Anna Maria Rocchio
Gerald and
Katherine Clough
Ms. Deborah C. Stanton
Kyle Dallmann
Ms. Sandra K. Thornton
Roger Davey
A.O.H. County Board
St. Patrick Ancient
Order of Hibernians
Charles Dwight
Connie and Dan Vonderhaar
Barbara Gregory
Mr. and Mrs. Al Schneider
Emily Grillot
St. Rita School for the Deaf
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Heuker
Jim Hammans
June and George Gibeau
Eleanor A. Harig
St. Rita School for the Deaf
Joyce and Larry Babel
Katherine Dietrich
and Family
Sally Eastman
Sister John Michael Geis
Mr. and Mrs.
Tom Hammelrath
Sister Jane Bernadette Leo
Mr. Jeff Moore
Tori Moore
Beth and Jon Powers
Ms. Dolores Steltenpohl
Joseph M. Hellkamp
Mrs. Marilyn M. Olberding
Esther M. Henderer
Bill E. and Joyce A. Black
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Brown
Kim Conners and Family
Mr. and Mrs. Keith Fortner
Mr. Dave Henderer
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Henderer
Charles and
Marian Ostholthoff
Jerry and Stacy Schappacher
John and Donna Steiger
Jerry Hess
Jerry Ullett
Imogene Hoffman
John and Maryann Murphy
Richard Huebner
Mrs. Ruth Huebner
Kent Jones
John and Maryann Murphy
Carl Maag
Joe and Mary Appelmann
James V. Magee, Jr.
A.O.H. County Board
St. Patrick Ancient
Order of Hibernians
Tim Malone
Mr. James Malone
Angela Rosselot
Ian and Mary Lee Edwards
Stuart Edwards
Ms. Pat Wood
Michael Thomas
Mansur, Sr.
Mr. and Mrs.
Steven Compton
Mary Ann May
Mr. and Mrs.
Joseph Deidesheimer
Mr. and Mrs.
Steve Eichelberger
Dick and Barb Feldmann
Mr. and Mrs. Gary G. Goins
Mr. Carl Goodin
Mike and Bev Jostworth
John and Suzi Lampe
Vince and Judy Lasita
Jerry and Diane Levin
Lou and Mary Marx
Ms. Phyllis J. Morgenroth
Napolitano Family
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Pahner
Ms. Phyllis R. Pohlman
Mr. and Mrs. David L. Roth
Patricia and Bruce Santoro
Mr. and Mrs.
Douglas W. Seitz
Paul and Janet Sink
Ms. Lisa Wagner
Ms. Kathleen Whitton
Ms. Charlene Wogenstahl
Maureen Meiring
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Heuker
Carol Ann Miller
Mrs. Ruth Huebner
Mary Beth Kaplan
Mrs. Ruth Huebner
June Monhollen
Mr. and Mrs. John Long
Veronica Kautzman
June and George Gibeau
Fr. Juan Montoya
June and George Gibeau
Larry Kunkemoeller
Mr. and Mrs.
Edwin Strotman
Rose Mary Mullen
Jack and Sylvia Ruthven
Shirley Everett
Bob and Barb Hotopp
and Family
Rose Mary Lehan
Dr. Donna M. Mather
Rita Ristaneo Gentile
Pasqualina M. Turner
Tom Lindsay
June and George Gibeau
Ruth Rischmann
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Weber
Francesco Rocchio
Ms. Anna Maria Rocchio
Robert and Jean Kaelin
Mr. John Noonan
John (Jack) Lauck
Mrs. Mary Nieman
Marie Riga
Ms. Mary Ann Vennemeyer
Joseph Malloy
Mrs. Eileen Rebholz
Virginia Moffett
Dr. and Mrs.
Stanley Hastings
John Laricchuita
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Amatulli
Mr. Frank Milillo
Nancy Richie
Mr. and Mrs.
Richard E. Beerman
Anthony Nieman
Mrs. Betty Hogeback
The Flach Family Of Florida
Margie Flach
Pamela Pavely
Purcell High School —
Class of ’56
Leroy (Bud) Rakel
Mr. and Mrs.
James Thamann
Rita Florence Schaffeld
Mr. and Mrs.
David M. Kinninger
Mr. Richard Savors
OH Facilities
Construction Commission
Frank A. Schatzel, Sr.
Ms. Helen M. Popolin
David Schmidt
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Schmidt
Cindy Kay Schneider
Ms. Debbie Skala
Sr. Marianne Schroeder
Sister Bernadette
Marie Shumate
Dr. Donald Shumrick
Mr. and Mrs.
Richard E. Beerman
Tom and Steve Sliter
Mrs. Linda Bird
Richard G. (Dick) Staudigel
Mr. and Mrs.
Robert R. Grunkemeyer
John and Maryann Murphy
Sean Murphy
The Pharmacy Staff of
Shriners Hospital for
Children–Cincinnati
Gladys Stohlman
Ms. Mary Ann Vennemeyer
Tom Tierney
St. Patrick Ancient
Order of Hibernians
Gerald E. Toney
Joyce and Larry Babel
John and Maryann Murphy
Beth and Jon Powers
Clara Vonderhaar
Le Pavillon Hotel
St. Rita School for the Deaf
Joyce and Larry Babel
Mr. and Mrs. Dave Boh
Mr. J. Charles Busam
Ms. Elizabeth Carpenter
Mr. and Mrs.
Rodney L. Carpenter
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Eling
Ms. Carol R. Faulhaber
Sarah A. and
Grayson Fitzhugh
Sister John Michael Geis
Ms. Faye Haag
Ms. Rebecca R. Haag
Ms. Shirley Haag
Robert and Nancy Hagner
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Hinssen
Ms. Joyce Hoerst
Mrs. Kathryn A. Kronick
Mr. and Mrs.
Charles Krumpelman
Mr. and Mrs.
Kenneth R. Krumpelman
Mr. and Mrs. Laub
Dr. Alan Laub
Sister Jane Bernadette Leo
LE Pavillion Hotel
Scott D. and
Debbie V. Loucks
Mr. and Mrs.
Wesley T. Loucks
Mrs. Lois E. Martin
Mr. Charles McCafferty
Mrs. Joan McNally
Mr. and Mrs.
Thomas E. Mischell
Morgan Families
Arthur and
Mary Ann Naltner
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Noll
Mr. and Mrs. Paul R. Piening
Dot Hall Piper Family
Beth and Jon Powers
Wayne R. and Kim A. Rahe
Mr. Robert Ruffing
Ms. Kate M. Schmitt
Mr. D. Tim Shipp
Ms. Ruth M. Small
Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Smith
Mr. and Mrs.
Roger W. Smith
Mr. and Mrs. David R. Teska
Mrs. Barb Vineyard
Edward and Alice Vockell
Mr. and Mrs.
Charles Vonderhaar
Connie and Dan Vonderhaar
Don and Wilma Vonderhaar
Mr. Ralph Vonderhaar
Robert and Carol
Vonderhaar
Mr. Edward D. Weber
Mrs. Mary Weitzel
Mr. Joe Winhusen
Ms. Elizabeth Wright
Dr. and Mrs. Steve Wunder
Ms. Karen A. Wurmser
Mr. and Mrs.
Tom Zestermann
Ray Weber
Mrs. Jo Zeilman
Jacob Witt
Mike and Debbie Cappel
Ms. Gertrude Polking
Rose Woelfel
Joe and Mary Appelmann
Prayers for
My Grandson
Doris and Walt Herdeman
In Remembrance of
David Hartman
Ms. Jean Hartman
Irene Kuehnle BD
Jerry Ullett
Robert Osner
Ms. Gretchen Osner
DREAM. ACHIEVE. SOAR.
7
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Cincinnati, OH
Permit No. 797
1720 Glendale Milford Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45215
513.771.7600
www.srsdeaf.org
DREAM. ACHIEVE. SOAR.
Megan continued from page 5
Six years later, Megan is now
graduating and ready to take her
next steps in life. “The teachers and
staff at St. Rita School are beyond
great,” said Mark. “Everyone is
very caring and wants to bring out
the best in Megan. St. Rita School
provided Megan with the best
environment — total communication
for learning. While Megan can communicate with non-signers using her
hearing aids, the ability to interact in
class with the teachers and students
directly (versus through an interpreter) enhanced her learning. She was
able to have a social life and communicate with her peers just as any
other high school student. If she had
been mainstreamed she would have
had to communicate through an interpreter with her classmates. She is
intending to attend college in the fall
and we’re not sure she would have
been as well-educated and ready if
8
she had mainstreamed.”
“I plan to attend a computer
camp for the deaf and study computer programming at Gallaudet,”
said Megan, whose favorite class at
St. Rita School is physics and her
hardest classes have been Latin. “I
will miss the liveliness the school
has! Some of my favorite moments
are when I got to be the Lion mascot
and at the prom last year.”
“The care and concern of the
staff has been a true blessing for
Megan, and for us,” said Mark
and Andrea.
“The teachers, without them, we
won’t be able to learn and to grow,”
said Megan. “There is nothing that
is as important as our teachers, not
even the President.”